5 Top Foods for a Flat Stomach

Dreaming of a flat stomach? The good news is your dream may not be too far away. Whether you’re hoping to blitz away a muffin top or are battling with bloating, your diet is integral to shaping up this problem area. Start eating your way to a trimmer waistline with these top 5 foods for a flat stomach.

Flax seeds
Flax seeds (often referred to as linseeds) are nutritious seeds packed with monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) - which are actually a lot more diet-friendly than they sound. Monounsaturated fats, unlike saturated fats (the "bad" fats found in junk food), not only lower cholesterol levels but they can also help to reduce body fat. Liz Vaccariello, author of The Flat Belly Diet, advocates these healthy fats for those wanting to specifically target belly fat.

Not only will these super seeds tackle love handles, but they are great for those suffering from bloating. Flax seeds provide high levels of fibre and can help to keep the digestive system running smoothly, helping to banish bloating, constipation and other digestive problems. Try adding a tablespoon of freshly ground flax seeds to your morning cereal, lunchtime salad, or homemade smoothie to start enjoying their belly-flattening benefits.

Berries
Blackberries, blueberries, acai berries... what do these fruits have in common? They could all help you to squeeze back into your skinny jeans. Studies have suggested that those wanting to lose their belly fat should opt for fruit that is blue or red in colour (such as cherries, red grapes and many types of berries). In fact, it is the chemicals that are responsible for giving these fruits their colour (anthocyanins) that, according to recent research, also burn abdominal fat.

Yoghurt
Not only is yoghurt low in fat and calories, so good as a weight loss food, but many yoghurts also contain active cultures (probiotics) which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and help with digestion, excess gas and bloating. Yoghurt is luckily easy to fit into any diet plan as part of a meal or a snack between meals. You could also try combining natural yoghurt, berries and flax seeds in a morning smoothie or bowl of cereal, getting you off to a great tummy-trimming start before you even leave the house.

Whole grains
Whole grains are great for weight management and shedding those excess pounds. Not only are they a low-fat source of slow-release energy but, due to their high levels of fibre, they will help to regulate the digestive system and also keep you feeling fuller for longer. Eating whole grains also helps to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and insulin in the body, both of which encourage fat to be stored around the belly.

Many people, however, instinctively opt for wheat as their primary source of whole grains, which is often not the best choice. Not only is wheat difficult to digest - which can cause bloating in some - but it is better to eat grains in their natural form rather than as a processed flour. Good alternatives to try are brown rice, oats, buckwheat and spelt. Quinoa - although technically a seed - is also a nutritious alternative that can be used in the place of grains such as pasta and couscous.

Water
While it's not technically a food, a lack of water in your diet could be the one thing still standing in your way of a flat stomach. Bloating is something that affects many women and the problem is often worsened - or even instigated - by a lack of fluids in the system. Drinking water will help to flush toxins out of the system, curb hunger, improve the digestive system and reduce fluid retention, all of which will leave your stomach looking flatter.

If you are aiming for a flat belly, it is important to drink a minimum of eight glasses of liquids a day. Although this does not have to be water, it is best to go for liquids that are still (fizzy drinks can cause bloating) and low in calories. If you don't fancy plain water, a good alternative is green tea - which is also rumoured to have fat burning benefits - or fennel, dandelion or peppermint teas, all of which can combat bloating.

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Keep checking back, Mark is exceptionally inspiring!

There is just NO excuse for not getting in shape!

Get yourself into Flex where Mark trains and speak to the team about taking your fitness to the next level!

Interview Coming SOON!

Flex Lifestyles Team

Exclusive Interview COMING SOON! Mark Riddington, Bodybuilder Secrets!

COMING SOON!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

Watch this space for an exclusive interview with Mark Riddington, an amazing body-builder who doesnt let ANYTHING stand in the way of him living a full life, despite having his left leg amputated below the knee!

Our Flex Roving Reporter will be interviewing Mark to get behind the scenes to discover the secrets to his success! COMING SOON! Keep checking back to listen in!

For more info visit : http://www.amputeesinaction.co.uk/0118.htm

Mark's Brief Background

In June 2007, in an accident at work, Mark trapped his foot which resulted in him having his left leg amputated below the knee in September 2007. After leaving hospital at the end of November 2007 he tasked himself to walk as soon as possible and achieved this by Christmas of the same year.

Mark showed true grit and determination with regaining mobility and to this end has continued to participate in the sports he enjoyed before his amputation namely swimming, running and weight training. His other hobbies are three wheeled motorbiking, socialising with friends and family and trying new ventures.

So there's no excuse in fitting in exercise!

Mark trains at Flex for his shows and so we hope to see you there too!

The Flex Team

Swap Popcorn For Fruit Salad Says Film Boss

A top film boss has called for cinema chains to swap popcorn for healthier snacks like fruit salad and yoghurt.

A tub of buttered popcorn can have up to 1,100 calories in it.

Michael Lynton, head of Sony Pictures, told cinema owners they should be offering healthier snacks to help fight obesity and give audiences a broader range of food choices.

He said: "I don't mean close the window for popcorn, soda and candy. Audiences love them and should always be able to buy them at your theatres".

"I can almost imagine the Romans eating popcorn and drinking Coke at the Coliseum 2,000 years ago."

The average cinema bucket of buttered popcorn has 76 grams (2.6oz) of fat - the equivalent of six McDonald's cheeseburgers - and 1,100 calories.

According to Mr Lynton, healthier food selections suggested by cinemagoers included fruit salads, vegetables with dip, yoghurt, granola bars, baked chips and unbuttered, air-popped popcorn.

However, Mr Lynton admitted that old habits might die hard. He said: "I don't think giant tubs of spinach or broccoli is a good idea".

"And nobody wants to eat cauliflower while watching Spider-Man, or drink a 40oz cup of prune juice."

Last month Tim Smith, the chief executive of the Food Standards Agency, called for filmgoers to be told how many calories there are in the popcorn, ice cream and fizzy drinks and for them to be available in smaller portions.

Deirdre Flynn, spokesman for the Popcorn Board, a non-profit organisation funded by US popcorn processors, said: "If you ask most consumers what they consider the number one movie snack, they will tell you it's popcorn.

"Popcorn and movies have gone hand in hand since the early 1900s."

Resource: Sky News Health
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Cinemas-Should-Offer-Healthier-Snacks-like-Fruit-Salad-Instead-of-Popcorn-Says-Top-Film-Boss/Article/201003315575244lpos=Showbiz_News_First_Health_Article_Teaser_Region__4&lid=ARTICLE_15575244_Cinemas_Should_Offer_Healthier_Snacks_like_Fruit_Salad_Instead_of_Popcorn_Says_Top_Film_Boss

PS - If you love your popcorn - why not drop into Flex to work off those sweet treats! You can find us HERE just a few steps away from the Odeon Cinema in Uxbridge:

Flex Lifestyles Health Club
Stage Door,
233 High Street,
Uxbridge,
Middlesex
UB8 1LE
www.flexlifestyles.co.uk
Tel: 01895 271 217

If You Are BORED Of Your Usual Routine...

If you have been working out at Flex all week and you want some time out but still want to stay in good shape, why not try your hand at a new skill and get fit at the same time? Rock climbing lessons?

Going on holiday?

Why not take a run on the beach at sunset to keep that body buff and beautiful for when you get home to show off your tan in the gym!


Havent got a baby sitter while you get fit? Take to the pavement with your buggy! A fantastic way to get fit!

Mums and dads all over the world are taking to the pavements in the Summer evenings out in the parks, countryside - the great outdoors with their children securely strapped into their buggy as they get fit!

Come into Flex first thing before work to get the workout over and done with before the heat kicks in! Then enjoy the rest of your time in the Summer sunshine with friends or with loved ones! Make the most of your time!

You deserve it!
Many parents get together to enjoy this phenomenon although its not for the faint hearted! These yummy mummies and dishy daddies are very physically fit to be able to speed walk around the bumps and gradiants of the local country parks!

Some are extreme athletes who take their buggy exercises very seriously!

Of course this shouldnt stop you donning your trainers and gripping the grass at a brisk pace either since getting 30 minutes per day of sunshine minimum is a great health benefit - seratonin release - the happy hormone as this is the recommended minimum time to spend in the sunshine to feel better. Of course when outside in the sunshine, be sure to protect yourself and your little ones from sunburn using kiddies sunblock and a good SPF for yourselves. Enjoy the sun in safety!

Or why not get out on your cycle together at the weekends? After all that hard work during the week at the gym - you might just want to go out on a leisurely bike ride with the family - a great family fun day out and still getting your exercise quota!

Be sure to stay safe on the roads. Always wear a safety helmet and lead by example.

Another great way to stay in shape is to get out in the garden with your children's hula hoop! Great exercises for the waist!

How about on the rebounder to bounce your way to fitness and health?

Whatever you do, make it FUN! When exercise is fun, it doesnt feel like exercise any more!

Dance your way to health too! Put on your favourite music on your ipod and away you go! Just GET MOVING!

So, if your routine at the gym during the week is stagnating, why not even speak to one of our Flex Lifestyles Team to see how we can PERK UP YOUR PROGRAM to give you that extra boost that you might need during these next few Summer months!

Martial Arts is another great way to get in shape, meet new friends and get into a unique routine!

Visit our sister site for further information:http://www.flexlifestyles.co.uk/martialarts.html and no it doesnt get physical or fighting - we at Flex uphold a non-contact Martial Arts School of self-defence only.

After all, sometimes you dont want to go outside where the crowds are, the gym can be a great place to get away from it all for some special ME time!

Feelin HOT HOT HOT! How To Keep Your Fitness Routine ALIVE!

It can become really hot and humid over the summer months depending on where you live. So how do you keep your fitness routine going during this hot and sticky time?

If your fitness routine was primarily performed outdoors see if you can change the time of day you exercise. Is it possible to fit it into your schedule before the sun is up, this way you can enjoy the cool freshness of the morning air. If not how about later into the evening, once the sun is setting?

If you cycle you can always set up an indoor cycle mount for those extremely hot conditions and quickly take your bike off and back outside when the humidity has passed.

Another option would be to take your routine inside or if not possible, how about doing something totally different during the summer months?

Instead of walking or running, take up Zumba at Flex! This is a great way to keep your fitness routine fresh and interesting. Or maybe you can take in a few swimming lessons or join an aqua fit class. There is nothing as great as giving your body some new muscles to work.

If you love what you do and don't want to change things then there are some easy things to do to avoid getting sunburnt or having to deal with sunstroke.

• Try to stay out of the sun if possible
• Use a protective sunscreen
• Drink extra water while exercising
• Allow your body to cool down slowly - no jumping into a cold shower while your body is overheated
• Exercise at a slower rate and intensity

Always make sure you are giving your body enough nutrition especially before and after you exercise. Feeding your body is going to give you the endurance to continue with your routine during warmer than normal periods.

Wear clothing that allows your body to breathe; you don't want to be breaking a cold sweat out in the heat. The same goes for your shoes, make sure your feet won't overheat and cause blisters to form. They do not look good for the Summer!

It might be a wise idea to invest in a heart rate monitor so you can really see how your body is dealing with the heat and adjust your routine accordingly.

By taking precautions you can still keep your fitness routine going, you just need to be willing to make some adjustments when necessary.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Langford

Imagess: Google Images

Get Out Of Your Pit To Get Fit! Maximise Your Metabolism!

Forget The Snooze Button If You Want To Burn Up
To More Fat For Summer!!

Love Handles Love A Snooze Button!

Read About The TRUE Benefits Of An Early Morning Workout! This May Have You Springing Out Of Your Pit In Record Time! A Season To Be Cheerful! THE SUMMER HAS LANDED!

Light mornings can make it easier to roll out of bed...

1. Start Exercising first thing in the morning

As soon as you wake up in the morning workout for at least 30min to an hour. Studies show that working out in the morning has been shown to burn up to 3x as more fat as opposed to working out at any other time during the day.

Here's Why:
During the day your body's main source of energy is the carbohydrates that you get from eating your meals. As you sleep at night for 6+ hours your body uses up all those carbohydrates as energy for various bodily functions that go on even while you sleep. When you wake up in the morning your body doesn't have any carbohydrates as energy to use and it will look to burn body fat instead for energy.

For you to take advantage of this morning fat burning opportunity you have to exercise first thing in the morning. Don't eat breakfast because if you do you'll just give your body some carbohydrates as a source of energy instead of the body fat that you want to burn for energy.

Another great thing about working out first thing in the morning is that your metabolism gets revved up after your morning workout. Morning workouts keep your metabolism elevated throughout the day. An elevated metabolism throughout the day only means that you'll burn more calories and lose more weight.

If you workout at night you may still burn fat while you workout but as soon as you go to sleep your metabolism will slow down and you'll miss out on all the extra fat that you can burn during the day if you had exercised in the morning. When you sleep your metabolic rate is always at its slowest.

Other reasons why its good to exercise first thing in the morning is that you get the workout out of the way, and working out in the morning will also reduce your level of stress throughout the day.

Advanced Tip: Want to burn even more fat? Add another workout to your daily routine 4-6 hours after your morning workout. Keep your already high metabolism higher by adding a 2nd workout during the day.

If you're seriously thinking about adding a 2nd workout to your daily routine then try to do your cardio workouts in the morning. Mostly fat calories are burned doing cardio at a moderate intensities. Make your 2nd workout of the day a workout with weights. Mostly carbohydrate is burned doing weight-training workouts.

The muscle that you build from weight training will also help you burn fat. 1lb of Muscle burns 50 calories a day or 1lb of fat every 70 days. Not only will you be burning more calories, you'll look better – whatever your weight is.

2. Eat Breakfast
Another way to keep your metabolism revved up all day long is to eat breakfast. After you workout in the morning as discussed earlier, just have breakfast and you'll give your body the perfect 1-2 combination to jump start your metabolism.


Eating breakfast in the morning is what gets your metabolism started. Don't skip breakfast and wait until mid-morning or afternoon to eat, your metabolism will run slower causing you not burn any extra fat.

Think about this way-Your metabolism is a fireplace that'll burn fat all day long for you if you operate it correctly. When you eat breakfast you are basically throwing a log onto that fireplace to get it started burning fat.

Keep that FIRE BURNING WITHIN!

Eating breakfast will help stop those cravings you may have later on in the day and along with working out in the morning, eating breakfast will also keep you energized throughout the day and lower stress levels.

Advanced Tip: Instead of eating only 2 more meals during the day like lunch & dinner, try to eat 4-5 more small mini-meals spaced 2-3 hours apart during the day. Remember the fireplace?
By eating these mini-meals you'll be throwing just the right amount of "wood" on the fireplace to keep your metabolism burning calories throughout the day. Don't shut down your metabolism by eating big lunches or dinners, keep that metabolism of yours burning fat all day long.

Morning Checklist

1. Workout for at least 30min after waking up in the morning
2. Eat a healthy breakfast
3. Burn fat & lose more weight during the day

Use these 2 tips to reveal that six-pack, fit into that dress or those pants for an upcoming event like a wedding or reunion, or to impress that your spouse or co-workers. Whatever your fitness goal is these 2 tips above will surely help you reach them.

Enjoy!

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com